No cameras allowed

[CanonKen]

If you're like me, you take a camera where-ever you go. Last night was the first time that I had an experience like this. I went to a concert (Bryan Adams) where the venue did not allow cameras. I have heard that before, and have always taken a camera and photos at a concert. However, this time the venue staff were adamit about stopping anyone who turned on a camera. I honestly was getting sweaty trying to figure out when the right time was to pull out the camera and start shooting, constantly looking around. I felt like a caged animal. And I felt worse when-ever I saw a flash go off! So I picked my timing (during the encore) and did some non-flash photograhy without the back display on and was able to pull off a couple of photos to remember the event. Whew!

So, my question is (to anyone who wants to share), where have they taken a photo (and of what) when they were not supposed to. Did you get caught? Has anyone every had their camera taken away?

Keep on Snappin'

[stitchbug]

Originally Posted by CanonKen

If you're like me, you take a camera where-ever you go. Last night was the first time that I had an experience like this. I went to a concert (Bryan Adams) where the venue did not allow cameras. I have heard that before, and have always taken a camera and photos at a concert. However, this time the venue staff were adamit about stopping anyone who turned on a camera. I honestly was getting sweaty trying to figure out when the right time was to pull out the camera and start shooting, constantly looking around. I felt like a caged animal. And I felt worse when-ever I saw a flash go off! So I picked my timing (during the encore) and did some non-flash photograhy without the back display on and was able to pull off a couple of photos to remember the event. Whew!

So, my question is (to anyone who wants to share), where have they taken a photo (and of what) when they were not supposed to. Did you get caught? Has anyone every had their camera taken away?

Keep on Snappin'

well they cant take your camera away. but they can kick you out.

[Wooglah]

I have a friend who was in Croatia at B.A.'s concert, and then too was prohibited to photograph him. Man protects his copyright, what can you do... Even If you have the pics, you can not publish them now...

[jon.pakarklis]

I had a rather scary experience when I was younger. I was about 17 and my friend and I were driving around taking pictures of nice cars in our neighborhood. We took a shot of a nice 70's era camaro that we saw at a gas station. As we started to drive away, the driver of the vehicle got in his car and sped after us. He followed us all the way to my house and got out of his car. He then ran up to by my friend and I and asked why we were taking pictures of him. I explained that we were admiring his car, and he understood that we weren't trying to blackmail him or anything. It was just a funny experience when I think about it. Seems like something to share.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by Wooglah

I have a friend who was in Croatia at B.A.'s concert, and then too was prohibited to photograph him. Man protects his copyright, what can you do... Even If you have the pics, you can not publish them now...

His face isn't subject to copyright. It is, however, private property, and the owners can regulate photography as they please.

[headrickphoto]

I've had a similar experience with this.. here's what i do since then:

For the following be sure to describe yourself as an Independent Photographer

1) Go to the events website or contact the venue. Ask them if there are cameras allowed. If they say no ask if there are any special photo passes... who knows they may offer you something special.. Normally this will work... Make yourself a press pass and just slip it in a lanyard ... doesnt have to be that fancy ("PRESS PASS" (in large print .. most visible feature) "mugshot" (just a straight on portrait. not anything artistic... your name, "Independent Photographer" etc..) Just has to look legit. Most of the security people wont really complain...

IF THEY SAY NO...

2) Contact their promotional company 2-3 weeks prior. Ask them if you could get permission... if they wont then ask if they they might be willing to pull a few strings if you cut a deal... say you give them a few photographs that they can use, or give them a reasonable price. Hey you might even get a backstage press pass.. you never know. It's happened before.

I've been able to get into several concerts with my DSLR and camera case even where they try to stop you at the gate. Usually flashing a press pass that you have made works. But sometimes going all the way to the promotional company who should give you a mailed or faxed letter works.

Hope that helped

[spazoid1965]

Back when I was in the Air Force we were not allowed to take our camears out on the flight line. Sometimes some of us would take one out in the R9 refueling truck just to zap a few photos. I never had the nerve to take a camera to the SR-71 hanger. Good thing I didn't. They could have taken the camera, and a whole lot more.

[wulf]

I'd respect the rules. If you're taking a camera that doesn't neatly fit in your pocket, find out before hand if photos are allowed. If you have a camera but photos aren't allowed, just use your eyes instead.

However, finding out that cameras aren't allowed is the kind of thing that might keep me from spending the money to go to a gig I'd otherwise attend. I'd rather invest my money in artists who are keen to promote creativity rather than dampen it for commercial interests.

Wulf

[Swisstony10]

I'd go with Headrickphoto's suggestion. It's surprising how far you can get (in my experience) by being polite, asking nicely if you can do something, and being very grateful for anything that's given to you.

You never know - you could end up taking one of those iconic photographs that gets printed and reprinted for decades afterwards.

[deltacsar665]

no offense to anyone but somethings in life are meant to be observed by eyes only which makes that event more sentimental for the observer.